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Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Recap: 'Jessa's Announcement'

Counting On "Jessa's Announcement"

After the big proposal, Jinger and Jeremy join the Seewalds and Michelle, along with Jeremy's friends James and Luis and their wives, for dinner at a Korean BBQ restaurant. "I have always loved New York City," says Jinger. "Jeremy's proposal was out of this world."

Although the food is different than anything the Duggars have tasted, they really enjoy it.

"This dinner together definitely is an amazing way to wrap up the most memorable trip ever," says Jinger.

When Jinger, Michelle, and the Seewalds return home, everyone welcomes them with hugs and plenty of "oohs" and "ahhs" over Jinger's engagement ring.

Jim Bob is absolultey thrilled for his daughter. "Was it more than a sidehug?" he jokingly asks Michelle. "There were a few moments," the mom of 19 responds, laughing.

"We're so happy for you and Jeremy," Jim Bob tells Jinger. "We love y'all, but we're going to miss you. That's going to be very difficult."

Later, Jessa and Ben prepare for a special photo shoot with Jinger. "Ben and I are excited to announce that we are having another baby," Jessa tells the camera. "We were both excited and surprised because Spurgeon was just a little over six months old. For my sister-in-law Anna and for my sister Jill, they didn't get pregnant right off...and so, I guess I'm built more like my mom."

Jessa is 14 weeks pregnant. (With Spurgeon, she and Ben shared the news with the family at 12 weeks.) Some of the older girls have already guessed that Jessa is expecting. Jill asked point blank via video chat about a week after Jessa and Ben found out.

In the photo that Jinger takes of the Seewalds, they are holding a "Doubling the Love, February 2017" chalkboard sign. (Jessa's due date is February 2nd, so Spurgeon and Baby #2 will be 15 months apart.)

"I've always loved having siblings so close in age," says Jessa. She and Jinger are only 13 months apart.

Down in Central America, Jill and Derick are packing for their first trip home in 10 months. Israel happily points out family members in photos as Mom and Dad finishing getting everything ready.

Several friends accompany the Dillards to the airport to see them off. "We're planning on being down here long-term and continuing to work as long as God has us down here," says Derick.

Now that Israel is mobile, traveling is difficult. On the airplane, Jill convinces him to nurse and take a nap, but he is still wound up.

Meanwhile, Jill's family puts the finishing touches on the guesthouse, which has a swimming pool, and makes a bunch of "Welcome Home" signs.

When asked what she has missed most about Jill, Josie responds: "That she's been gone for like almost a whole year, so we haven't gotten to see her in a long time. I've been waiting for this day."

Jessa and Jana have a slight disagreement over the decorations in the spare room. "Jana, she doesn't really show it, but I think she is a little bit nervous about getting the house done in time and making sure Jill and Derick love it," says Joy.

All the Duggars, as well as Derick's family and some friends, head to the airport to meet Jill and Derick. Everyone starts cheering as the Dillards come down the escalator.

Jill and Derick approve of Jana's renovations to the guesthouse. "Jana is so creative, and she's always been that way," says Jill. "I think she's got a future in interior design," adds Derick.

"[Jill and Derick's return] is something we've been looking forward to for a long time," says Josiah.

The following day, Jessa, Ben, Spurgeon, Johannah, Jennifer, and Jordyn come over to watch Israel while Jill and Derick go on a date for the first time in 10 months.

Their date consists of a trip to the grocery store, where they are thrilled to pick out their favorite foods that they haven't had in nearly a year. Some of the other Duggars share what they would eat if they arrived home after spending 10 months on foreign soil:

Anna: Chicken nuggets and lemonade

Joy: Italian food

John-David: hamburger or fried food

Jedidiah: hot dogs

Jeremiah: a pickle

Jinger: salad

At the end of the show, the Seewalds host an ice cream social for Jessa's family, including Grandma and Aunt Deanna. While everyone is gathered around the living room, they present Jim Bob and Michelle with a gift bag. "I love gifts," Jim Bob chuckles. "Is it my birthday?"

The Duggar parents pull out a framed picture from the Seewalds' recent photo shoot, and they figure out the announcement immediately. "Ahh!" Michelle exclaims. "Are you kidding?! Oh my goodness!" The family is ecstatic.

Josiah approves of the announcement photo. "I'd probably do that someday, with little Josiah Jr. hanging on my leg there," he says.

When Michelle finds out that Jessa has already been pregnant for 100 days, she is impressed. "How in the world could you keep that a secret?" she questions.

"The Duggars are multiplying once again," comments Jinger.

"It won't be long before it's just like, 'Wait a minute, I know you're my nephew, but what's your name?'" jokes Anna.

"Ben and I want a large family, and...we really want to adopt," shares Jessa. "And so we might end up with 19 kids, but I won't be giving birth to 19 kids. I mean, I don't foresee that. I don't know, maybe I'll surprise myself."

At 14 weeks, Jessa and Ben haven't decided whether they will keep the gender a secret or announce it.

116 comments:

I was so excited to be able to finally get to watch an episode (normally I have to miss due to work). I got teary eyed during the proposal & birth announcement but the fun part is my hubby even got teary eyed & he's usually not an emotional guy. Great to see the love continuing.

Aw, now that's the kind of episode I've been waiting for. Seeing Michelle and the little girls woven into the story naturally, lots of variety, etc. Was there less recapping surrounding the commercials? I always skip the commercials, so I don't remember. But I really liked this episode a lot.

Another good episode if you ask me. I was glad to see Mr. Duggar was in quite a bit of this episode, his reactions to whats going on is always fun to watch. He seems nervous and happy at the same time with regards to Jinger and Jeremy's engagement, which of course any loving father would be.

Jana, Joy and the older boys did a great job with the guest home renovation, it transformed into a warm home. Boy Howdy, that little argument over the decorations was a bit tense, I'm not here to judge nobody, but you could tell Jana was rather upset by what had transpired. They seemed to however work it out in the end somewhat, Good on Jana for keeping a cool and reserved head about her.

I'm glad Jill, Derick, and Israel are home and safe. I don't know how many people really understand how dangerous it actually is for white people to be in a place like that. I know God has been watching over them this whole time.

And of course Jessa's pregnancy announcement. "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him." Psalm 127:3 I think pregnancy announcements result in my favorite Duggar reactions. Especially considering the climate of the world right now and how they view children, it is wonderful to see an entire family elated at the news of a coming child. An appreciation of God's blessing on a husband and wife.

I wait now impatiently for it to be Tuesday evening once again. Next weeks episode looks like it might bring something new and interesting to the table. Can't wait.

It's dangerous for white people? They were in El Salvador not Syria. Plus, it's actually a lot more dangerous for ordinary Salvadorans. I mean, they don't have guards and compounds and the means to just up and fly elsewhere. And yes, I've been to El Salvador. It's a beautiful country and the Salvadorans are wonderful ambassadors. /facepalm

I'm certainly glad nothing happened to you when you went. Don't pull the ridiculous "wonderful people" card, nothing is universal. OSAC lists El Salvador's Crime situation as "Critical".The dangers presented by the Dillards are all covered under OSAC and other organisation warnings for travel and stay.

"In 2015, armed robberies continued to be the greatest threat facing diplomats, tourists, and business persons. Home invasions/burglaries during daylight continue to be prevalent in residential neighborhoods in San Salvador... Cameras, concertina wire, and grilles on all windows and doors appear to dissuade some would-be burglars, as residences without these features in affluent neighborhoods are frequently robbed. The presence of armed security and the use of security features in homes have proven to be successful in combating home invasions." - OSAC

You can read all the other warnings yourself @ OSAC.gov

I can tell you are on the younger end of the spectrum and I pray that you find some wisdom before your inexperience gives it to you the hard way. Enjoy traveling the world, it is full of God's beautiful creation, but don't be foolish by discounting the evil that hides in every corner of the world.

Jinger HAS always loved NYC. I remember watching 19 kids and...when Jinger said she loved NYC. Michelle then felt the need to state publicly that is NOT what Jinger said or meant. That she just didn't want to be 20 miles from Walmart. We all remember. Then I believe Jill told her God was probably teaching her to be content in the country. I remember thinking "no Jinger...the Lord can give you your hearts desire". How great is God. So happy the Lord loves NYC too ---and has given Jinger her hearts desire.

She didn't want to just visit NYC, she wanted to live there. I don't think she and Jeremy are going to be living there. But I'm glad she has a fiance who cares so much about her interests and takes her desires into consideration.

Jinger loved NYC? Which for her included merely getting herded in and out of a van to get from the hotel to the Today Show studio? And being forced to eat "weird" things in Chinatown? And being taken to Kleinfeld's while her mother got to choose a free vow renewal dress? She has absolutely NO CLUE what New York City is all about, or what goes on there any given day.

Jeremy could easily swing this with TLC (their headquarters are there) and they could film all they wanted, so why not have a destination engagement filming on someone else's dime? Much more exciting than sitting on the front porch and giving her the ring. That was good enough for the courtship, however. I wished he had give her the ring at Grandma's house, on the sofa. Grandma would have gone into orbit!!!

I agree 100% with you. They kept saying how unsafe it is there. How you have to keep making sure all the doors are locked. You can't go out for a run because you could get shot. Plus the zika virus. Why put your family thru that. And if they were planning on having another baby. I wouldn't return. I don't know if i were them stay put be with your family. Jill has 2 sisters that will need her soon. I dont see how they cant return to central america after everything they said about it. And in a sneek peak for next week jill gets emotional about how scary it is down there

That very thought came to me as I watched last night. They complained too much. But yet they say God has them there. Not once did we hear how they put their trust in the Lord to protect them during their time in Central America. I find it odd that missionaries don't mention God's name even on their own show. Also, out of all the Spanish they 'learned', is "give them a kiss" all Jill learned to say?

I agree, it is just plain inconsistent for the Duggars to act like they care about the standards their daughters or daughters in law will have after marriage and now all we hear from Derick is the deadly conditions of their lives. Jill used to be vivacious and taljative, brimming over with excitement about her life and ambitions and now she has stopped saying much, expresses delight over receiving the simplest things and is basically very unsure of herself and how things are going to be for herself and her children from one moment to the next when she is in 'the mission' field. Those were the conditions Anna wound up giving under. Part of the problem is that Derick seems to insist on being a fish out of water. He himself says they are not accepted because they are foriegners and that is contributing to their very tense existence there. Does he not care about leading as a man and doing the right thing for His Own family? If he does not do it who else will? As long as Derick insists on going into the centre of trouble and danger for white Americans then Jill and all their little family are sunk with him. And the Duggars and the world are now ok with that?

I question Derrick's motivation because he seems personally happier in Central America because of the climate and environment there. He is sort of a sun seeker type. To sacrifice safety for his own wife and child so he can have an indigenous lifestyle does not seem fair to me. Can't indigenous preachers evangelize in that community? The double honor and house and salary could go to a deserving local.

I have to agree. Something must have happened while they were there. Jill used to be so full of life. And now she just isnt herself. I hope for her and her familys future they stay home. Be with family and focus on there future together.

When I read 1 & 2 Timothy in the Bible I questioned if Derick is 'supposed' to be where he is. Those books talk about the people who are responsible for women who are left on their own. I think Jill and Israel are Derick's responsibility so that would include their safety. If it is an unsafe place for them he is responsible for helping them to be safe. Also it said that the surrounding community should respect the man in the Church job, so if being American there is a big point of contention maybe he should step down and let someone people receive well have the spot.

Best episode so far this season.It was Almost like the good ole' days,but not quite.It was so nice to see all the kids,although some seem shy around the cameras now.Josie and those dimples😄Jill and Dericks shopping trip was so cute.I wishes the middles and the littles could talk more, i want to get to know the again.I have no complaints, as I'm sure loads will be on there way.For once I would love to see a positive, nice, sweet,and complimentary thread from beginning to end...ha wishful thinking.Anyways, bless those Duggars they all seem so happy.

J&D, I'm really tired of your going on about the "dangers" in Central America. If it's so bad that it makes you cry, then don't go back there. But remember that you had friends you left behind there. It's OK for them to be there, but not for you? Also remember that you had armed guards following you around. We saw them tonight out the back window of the truck as you were on the way to the airport. (Look carefully - you can see the gun.) If "danger" to you means you have to lock your doors at night (but not when you're back home in Arkansas), then I suppose most of the US would be considered just as dangerous, because we have to lock our doors, too. Usually day and night. Other missionaries endure much worse conditions than you did. If your mission in Central America is going so well, then why hasn't the crime rate in your area dropped? You said you were reaching gang members and changing them, right? What else have you or your Duggar family done to physically improve conditions in that area? You might want to address these questions in your next ministry update.

Jill and Derick obviously don't understand that you can get shot while jogging in the US, too. Not everyone lives on acres and acres of land with houses and businesses that their father/father-in-law own. Did they hear any news of domestic shootings and unrest while away this last year? Have they ever walked down a big city's streets after dark? Cry for your own country too, Jill.

Why all the anger towards them? They were simply stating the dangers of living there, which I'm sure they were asked about as they were being filmed. How about this...next time you watch the show and Jill and Derick come on, change the channel! That should alleviate all your hostility.

That was a confirming glimpse of how Jill really felt about being where they were. I bet she cried the whole time. I'm sure she was the driving force that brought them back, because Derick seems up for anything and did a long overseas stint before he was married. Jill will probably wait the required Zika interval and get pregnant again, so she doesn't have to go back there. I would be very surprised if she did, unless SOS Ministries is the only place that will hire them with their qualifications. I don't know why they don't just admit that it didn't work out down there for them and move on. Talking the way they did last night sure didn't tell it any differently.

Yes, they really have armed guards for SOS Ministries. We've seen them before, on previous trips. Joy posed with some on the beach and they posted that picture. You could see the metal of the gun out the back window of the truck as they went to the airport on the recent episode. How many other families, missionary or not, do you know who have armed guards following them around? I could use one when I walk through the parking lot of the discount store here where there was a shooting in broad daylight.

@Anonymous October 20, 11:59 AM: It is all dependant on where your mission is. There are many places in the world where the missionaries themselves are advised to learn how to defend themselves and how to handle to handle kidnapping/interrogation. Having bodyguards is decently normal in Mission work, it is just a good idea to have someone or a group always being vigilant so that you can do your work. The violence is certainly bad in many places here in the USA, but it pales in comparison with other parts of the world where Americans are seen as a payday. I'm not surprised by people's reactions in this forum, but it makes me unsettled to see how I'll informed people can be about the rest of the world. The situation that God has the Dillard's in is certainly dangerous. Staying for extended periods in the same place makes you a prime target. They live in a place where their family knows that they might not hear from them and that is exactly the kind of opportunity criminals look for. I think we all need to take a step back with the criticism and come to a realisation that we don't have all the information, we don't know what has been going on with them in any sort of detail. Just be thankful God has watched over them and pray He will continue to keep them safe where ever He leads them to next.

We are not ill-informed about the rest of the world, Texas. Have you considered that some of us have lived or worked overseas, are from overseas, have friends overseas, stay informed about world events, or are involved with organizations that work to solve world problems? The Dillards over-reacted to what they perceived as danger, especially Jill. It was OK for her to go down there on trips with her family many times, but not OK for her to stay there? Makes no sense.

I loved it !! I love every show and cannot wait for more. congratulations Jessa and Ben on baby =2. Congratulations Jill and Derick, we are glad y'all are back for a good visit. God Bless Everyone ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Some women find beards handsome, the hair does grow for a reason. I could say, why do girls go around with short hair... I believe you should look the way YOUR spouse wants you to, they are the ones that have to look at you! besides everyone always says the Duggar girls need to go out away from their parents and find their own way, they've grown up in a house with shavin men their entire lives so if they want their husbands to be scruffy that's their choice their being "different", make up your mind what you want to complain about.

Interesting exchange between Jana and Jessa in that episode, over what should hang on the wall. I have a feeling that if the camera had not been on, there would have been more said between the two. I don't think they see eye to eye. Jessa was acting pretty pushy last night. Jana looked like she has to put up with a lot as oldest sister, without losing her cool on camera.

The saddest part of that show was when Joy beamed that Jana should have an interior design business, and Jana got a faraway look in her eyes and sighed, "Maybe someday..." Like every other dream she had never was allowed to pan out. Maybe just maybe Jana has bought that fixer-upper building for this very purpose now. Maybe she put her foot down and said she's doing it, no matter what traditional family patterns it breaks, and no matter how her father would feel about a woman (or women) running a business. Maybe a brother will be there for accountability? We'll see. Something's going to happen with that building, even if it's fixed up, rented out to someone else, or resold.

I truly enjoy the Duggars, I love to see the girls that were once little girls running around become moms. Congrats Jinger and Jeremy on youe engagement and congrats Jessa and Ben on the pregnancy. I just found out I'm going to be a grandma, I understand now how great an announcement like that is. My daughter in law wore a tee-shirt that said does this shirt make me look pregnant? Love your show

I enjoy seeing the older siblings, and even sometimes the littles (Josie was just precious). I don't especially enjoy the scenes with Michelle, but every time they show JB I cringe. He is just so inappropriate. It is none of his business if Jinger and Jeremy front hugged or not. They make their own rules. I wish TLC would just stick to the siblings.

I think it is time for Jessa to refrain from mentioning adoption. It is starting to sound like just another talking point to generate interest and speculation.Unless she is willing to practice birth control at some point, I just don't see adoption in their future.

I actually think Jill is pregnant too, I think that's why she asked Jessa in the first place. I bet their just trying to space the news not to take the spotlight off Jinger's special moment and Jessa's announcement. I'm pretty sure shortly she will be announcing they have another on the way too.

I thought Jessa was rather rude and bossy towards Jana. There's a kinder way to discuss something and I liked Janas choice better anyway. It added a pop of color to the room. Jessa showed a whole different attitude than when she does the couch interviews.

Jessa has always been more forward and outspoken. I'm glad they showed a real moment rather than the pasted smiles and agreement. I also thought having foreign travel signs was totally random in the room. Nothing else in the room was foreign/culturally interesting and the cities had no relation to Jill.

Why didn't Jill start a garden while down there or at least have a few pots on the porch? They could have had fresh vegetables, washed with their own bottled water. They fed Izzy bananas and avocados (as seen in pictures), so there must have been some measure of safety in the fruits and vegetables there. Wash, peel, cook/steam would take care of the local microbes, if not the pesticides.

So what happened to cause Jill to go from being fairly tolerant of where they were (the worst was "eek, there was a spider" or "wow, a roaming wild cat") to being locked in her house, scared to leave to see the other women, and then crying when talking about the violence and wanting to kiss the ground when she got home? I get the feeling she was traumatized pretty badly somehow, but it wasn't reported or spoken about. Anyone else sense that she seemed almost on the verge of a nervous breakdown by the time she got home, much different than when she left? My womanly/motherly instincts tell me something happened.....

Yes, I think someone maybe approached her when Derick wasn't home and it rattled her. Especially with the language difference and that she didn't learn much Spanish and may not have been able to understand someone who came to her door when Derick wasn't home.

In answer to a previous question, there was a home game at that NYC arena on Sunday July 24. Jeremy's old team was playing a team wearing light blue shirts, so it was probably the NYC Football Club. Jeremy's old team won. Then the next day, a Monday as mentioned, it's possible that they went into the city for the rooftop engagement. Although the weather that day (25th) is still in question. There was also a home game at that stadium, with a win, on July 13th, and the next day there was indeed a huge afternoon storm. But the team they played on the 13th has purple as their colors. So did they get engaged first (14th) and then go to the game later (24th), or the other way around? Either way, it looks like the Duggars were in the city in mid-July.

Where is all the furniture Jill and Derick bought for their prior home that they featured when Jim bob took them to auction to buy sofas, etc. Why did Jana have to buy more furniture. Isn't Jill's in storage somewhere?

A lot of Jill's furniture, wedding presents, and baby shower presents seem to have been sold, mislaid, given away, or otherwise disappeared. You know how it is. You turn your back for a minute, and your sofa walks off. :)

It is clear from Jill and Derick's comments that they were more afraid to live in central america than they let on. They clearly are not returning regardless of any public statements that this is a "temporary" trip to the US and I expect they will come up with some other reason to not have to/not be able to (pregnancy, etc.).

At Jessa's announcement party, I sensed sadness from Jill. I think with the threat of ZIKA and having to wait to conceive until she's 6 month home, it is bittersweet that Jessa is pregnant again. Jessa also commented on how it took Anna and Jill awhile for #2 so clearly Jill had been trying (maybe before the zika fears became more exact and health warnings were issued).

What happened to the idea of this show being only about the older, married girls??? That was the whole point. I don't even mind the older kids. BUT ... Jim Bob & Michelle should NOT be part of the show. They are edging them back in a little more each episode. Nobody wants to see them.

And some don't want to see them, because supposedly they had their show pulled from the air. Yet they're back, which is deceitful on their part and TLC's part. If I were the parents and my show had been pulled, I'd want nothing to do with the network that made that decision. But then maybe my moral values are stronger than theirs when it comes to this kind of stuff.

I thought that was a very interesting exchange between sisters, and a view of things we don't normally get to see. Definitely some tension and rivalry there. We seem to be forgetting Michelle's rules for getting along that were posted on the kitchen wall.

I think this is one true exchange we've seen. I'm sure there are a lot more they cut out at JB's insistence. Did you also notice when Jessa was curt with her sister and told her to get Izzy away from the harp. She was very short with her, which again, I'm sure happens often between the older kids and the little ones.

No, they're Duggar adults, grown from Duggar children, who were taught to ALWAYS be joyful and ALWAYS get along with everyone in the family. That means putting your own wants last, doing something even if you don't feel like it, and not pouting. Remember the rules were were told by Michelle?

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Welcome to the premiere source for factual, encouraging updates on Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar and their 19 kids (TLC's 19 Kids and Counting & Counting On). Our site is not maintained by the Duggars, but we (Lily and Ellie) are personal friends of the family.